A 33-year-old businessman was found dead at the Bengaluru residence of Kannada actress, model and former Bigg Boss Kannada contestant Krishi Thapanda. The deceased, identified as Vaishak, had reportedly contacted the actress shortly before the incident and allegedly sent messages indicating that he intended to end his life.
The incident came to light on the night of June 24 after police discovered Vaishak's body at Krishi's residence in Bengaluru's RR Nagar area. An investigation has since been launched.
According to The Hindu, Vaishak, a resident of Girinagar, had been staying at an apartment in RR Nagar for the past few days. Police said he was alone inside Krishi Thapanda's apartment at the time of the incident. No suicide note or video message has been recovered from the spot.
Sources cited in the report said Vaishak had attempted to contact Krishi shortly before the incident. However, she was reportedly in Nelamangala at the time and was unable to answer his call. He later allegedly sent messages suggesting that he planned to take his own life.
After seeing the messages, Krishi reportedly alerted Vaishak's family members. His relatives rushed to the apartment but found him dead before they arrived.
Following the incident, Vaishak's father lodged a complaint with the police. Authorities have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Vaishak had reportedly faced legal trouble earlier this year. According to reports, he was arrested in connection with an alleged extortion and criminal intimidation case before being released on bail. The case stemmed from a complaint filed by businessman Aravind Reddy, who allegedly received a threatening letter demanding several crores of rupees and warning of serious consequences. Police subsequently arrested Vaishak in connection with the case.
Krishi Thapanda has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident.
Krishi made her acting debut with the 2016 Kannada film Akira and later appeared in films including Eradu Kanasu and Kannadakkaagi Ondannu Otti. She also participated in Bigg Boss Kannada Season 5, hosted by Kichcha Sudeep. Most recently, she was seen in the 2025 film Gana, alongside Prajwal Devaraj, Vedhika Kumar and Yasha Shivakumar.
